Acne

LegacyUser

I'm 17 and have had spots for about the last year and a half , i was taking the antibiotic minocin which pretty much cleared up my skin by 50%, but it left purple blemishs where the spot was and as i am incredibly pale it makes it quite noticeable.
Any soloutions?
My acne is not the worst around but because i have to shave everyday it sometimes makes the spots worse.
Anyone have similar a problem in the past or even know of any cream/tablet to get it under control, how long does it usually last?

Thanks

Beruthiel

back in the day when I was a teenager I had very bad spots on me back, I found the sun the business, it cleared everything up in no time flat the natural way...
I know that's not a hugh help, but maybe a couple of sessions on a sun bed?

Gordon

Sun is most definately the best but don't overdo it, I lost my back due to vain attempts at removing my spots. It came back eventually but was really sore.

Another thing to do is to change your pillowslips every day or second day. When you wash your face try to wash with very hot water to open your pores, then at rinse - rinse with cold cold water to close the pores.

And try not to pick them old bean, it's addictive but will make you more like the moonman every day.

Good luck

yellum

I was on Minocin for a few years, now more than likely as a result of it my stomach is really messed up. I now have allergies to wheat, yeast, cheese, chocolate, sugar and a few more things as well. If I eat these foods I get stomach ulcers.

While on the tablets I found them to be fairly good in keeping my skin clear. I had very bad acne for years and still suffer slightly. The sun is good for it alright and does help clear it up. I wouldn't fry myself under the sun though. Get sunbed sessions if you want.

I also found drinking plenty of water helps an awful lot, as does getting plenty of sleep.

Water is good and is needed to clear out the Rubbish in your system.
Spots and acne aren't as awfull as those that have them think.
They're quite distinguishing actually and you should be proud of them
Thatys what I kept thinking anyhow and it works.
mm

Enygma

Just wondering would a trip to a sauna or steam room followed by a cold shower help?
Aslo have you thought about going to an allergist? buddy of mine had really bad spots, turned out he was allergic to dairy products, cleared it right up.

smiles

Don't overdo it on the sunbeds (dangerous things)

All you can do with Acne is mostly wait it out, i'm lucky, dont get acne/spots at all really, but i know that most people are very self conscious about it, but it doesnt really pass anyone elses mind. It's only natural and try not to feel self conscious about it.

As for the purple scars? Try a rich moisturing cream like Silcocks Base, the biz for helping scars go back to normal.

<< Fio >>

gurramok

And not forgetting, dont use alcohol based creams on your face/back.
They irritate your skin and bring the spots back, try to get water based ones instead
When i was younger i had too many spots, plenty of washing cleared it up for me. Wash with warm water(no need for soaps) to get rid of dirt is an obvious but proper method, each day and night.
One more thing keep your hands away from your face, your hands carry invisible germs to the face !

neuro-praxis

Go to the Body Shop and get a tea-tree facial wash which you can use twice a week in your normal cleanliness routine. They also have blemish sticks which kill spots individually but I don't think they're that great.

Drink loads of water and eat a balanced diet with lots of vegetables and fruits in it. This will help to clear the toxins out of your system. It is a myth that chocolate etc. gives you spots - the truth is that an imbalanced diet gives you spots. Feed your skin with a vitamin E supplement.

Keep your hair off your face as it is full of natural oil and bacteria which can get into your pores.

I reccommend Neutrogena Clear Pore cleanser - it is a watery substance that you use with cotton wool to remove dirt from your skin twice a day, morning and night. After that, use Clean and Clear moisturiser (also twice daily). These are available from all supermarkets.

Every now and again, you can clear out your pores by blending up a cucumber in the food processor and spreading it on your face for 15 minutes. This rehydrates the skin without the use of chemicals and it leaves the skin feeling very smooth and cool!

I sound like a loon, or an ad for cosmetics. And I've never even had serious acne!

smiles

oh, and witch-hazel stuff... it's really good

<< Fio >>

yellum

Witch-hazel is great for loadsa different skin ailments. My gran swore by it, bless her.

Saruman

I was on minocin for a while.. no side effects other than slightly dry skin.. it did not however work on me... i went on to Roacutane which worked.. 6 months or so later i was basically clear.. get the odd spot now and again but its not acne! Anyway after that i was a little pale and sensative to sun.. but its the best way to clear your skin up.. sun in moderation.. its not just the sun darkening your skin.. it also releases vitamin that helps clear skin.. you can get suplliments but sunlight is the best source.

Caesar_Bojangle

avoid rocacutane, my brother took it for 6 months and its has some severe side effects such as depression and he had to drink roughly 7 pints of water a day to stay hydrated.
Its banned in some countries and the families of the ppl who committed suicide while on it , are trying to get it banned here in ireland so beware kids.

There is an irish site for it, warning of the dangers, when i remember it i'll post it.

And by the way rocacutane worked, it completely cleared his skin for the 6 months he was on it, but he still has acne 4 years later, so maybe it prolonged it.

LegacyUser

A lower dose of Roaccutane worked for me.
I took 65 mgs a day the 1st time I was on it and it really f*cked me up (headaches, depression, dehydration etc.) so I stopped but I started again about 2 years later on 35mgs a day and was fine (hardly noticed any side-affects).
It really is the only thing that works but the only thing is you'll be on it for about 8-10 months. Get a good dermatologist and give it a go.

LegacyUser

Oh, if you have cystic acne (really sore, big cysts deep in the skin) then medication is the only thing that works. Topical treatments (lotions, soaps etc.) won't do a thing. Seriously go to a dermatologist (ur GP will recomend one), its alot more common than you'd think.

Saruman

I have to defend rocacutane.. I knew about "possible" side effects but after research decided they were too few to worry about.. and so at most my skin was a little dry (since thats what it does) and a little more prone to sun burning than usual.. (in Ireland thats no prob) No depression of any kind.. in fact it would be more the opposite.. since i could clearly see it working i was happier than usual!! It all depends on the person! Anyway once you stop using it, any die effects go away after a few months!! I mean if you were to cringe at "possible" side effects on all meds you would not even use asprin!!!

The_Conductor

Best solution I've come across is to drink lots of water every day. Try and cut as much refined sugar/fats out of your diet as possible (its not that difficult), and make a conscious effort to eat one piece of fruit a day. By lots of water- 7-8 glasses minimum. I know its not exactly rocket science, but it does work. It not only helps your acne, but also gives you more energy for doing all your everyday things.

Hope this helps.

Saruman

smccarrick thats very true for mild acne and for keeping it away. However sever acne in a lot of people is hormonal and nothing to do with what they eat. Roacutane basically reduces the size of a gland which produces the oils etc that spots are composed of and usually keeps it that way... eventually it will start to grow but by that time its assumed you will no longer have the problem or at least it will be managable.

The_Conductor

Apologies if I offended anyone by appearing blasse with my earlier response- it was not intentional. Best of good luck to you from a one time minor sufferer.

bombidol

a good friend of mine was on roccutane for a while and he basically turned into a Leper, the skin on his face was literally falling off, he had to change his pillow covers everyday. He used to do this deadly thing where he would rub his black jumper sleeve off his face and turn it white with bits of skin. he went the full term though and it cleared him up grand. he used to get nosebleeds quite a lot too when he was on it. Im sure these are extreme side-effects though

bomb

DeadBankClerk

Originally posted by neuro-praxis
use twice a week in your normal cleanliness routine.

lol

Kraken

ok heres me being nice. wont happen very often but hey.

for all ye with red marks left on your face use potters cream. small little tub that lasts fucking ages. Takes the redness out so its not as bad. good at clering a lot of things sunburn etc. try it.

Caesar_Bojangle

Theres one thing i forget to mention, my brother who took it for 6 months get nosebleeds at least once a week, 4 years after taking Roacutane.
So unless you like waking up covered in blood i'd avoid taking it.

Diet doesnt effect it at all, its hereditary. I tried sticking to drinking 5 pints of water a day but it sure makes you p#$s a lot.
Panoxl 5,10 and 15 are really good creams, but they burn the skin off you the higher you go. So if you use it you may want to use some tea tree oil cream to soften you skin in the morning.

Thank you jesus, my skin appears to be clearing up now

LegacyUser

Kraken,
What is this potters cream you speak of and where is it available?

Kraken

erm chemist if that dont work try one of them herbal shops they might have it.

Saruman

Those creams are a bad idea... we are not talking about warts here.. sure they reduce big ones down but you need to tackle the cause and not just try and reduce the problem!

btw the heriditary acne thing is a myth.. for instance no one in my family had it until me!

GoneShootin

avoid rocacutane

utter nonense. what a remark to make !

depending on dosage and individual persons reactions it CAN cause side effects, but depression is extremely rare.

My GP put my on minocin for ages, and did sweet eff all. Of course mine is not the standard acne. I had trouble with Cebasious Cists [forgive the spelling]. This form of acne would leave a Scar and nice Blister that not medication would remove. Thankfully new ones are not appearing, yet the scars and cists of older ones still remain, which is fine...

I MUSt sing the praises of Roacutane. People are very quick to jump on the OOOO ITS BAD Bangwagon. The specialist i went to in Waterford went through everything with me and was frank to the point concerning side effects.

I was on it for 7 months. In that time i experienced :

Extremely Dry Lips
Itchly Flaky Scalp [not releved by T-Gel ;]
Dry Flaky skin on arms and hands [tho moisterisors sorted that out]
And lack of energy, that is i got tired more quickly than normal.

These aside it was otherwise painless and sickness free. All the blotches that you describe on your face are gone [these were all over my back], and there has been no occurence of new blisters/cists. Still get the off pimple on my face, but thats down me being a sweaty lazy student

So try roacutance, but only if your dermatologist thinks it will help you out.

Saruman

nice one Gone Shootin! Like i mentioned before if everyone cried about side effects of a medication then they would not even take Asprin which has been claimed can cause certain cancers and lots of other nasties... Bad also for IBS etc...

I mean even tap water is can be deadly.. flouride in Irish water for some stupid dental reason (only country in EU to do that) and there is enough flouride (its a poson you know!) in a tube of toothpaste to kill a rat!

You need to weigh it up... ONLY if you have a severe case and as a last resort should you think about rocacutane.. your GP wont even mention it until there is no other option! And even then he will send you to a dermitologist as an out patient first and they will sing the prescription if they think its needed.

I only had dry skin and dry lips.. the skin did not annoy me and the dry lips was solved by lip balm! Petroleum Jelly is excellent for it...

Caesar_Bojangle

roacutance,
when i mentioned the side effects my brother had after taking it.
Take this into account he was put on it as soon as it arrived in ireland at a much higher dosage that is allowed today.
And there are cases in ireland were ppl committed suicide, and there have been numerous documentaries on rte in the past about it.
My brother still suffers from depression, panic attacks and nose bleeds to this day. This are still known to happen regardless of dosage

Caesar_Bojangle

roacutance,
when i mentioned the side effects my brother had after taking it.
Take this into account he was put on it as soon as it arrived in ireland at a much higher dosage that is allowed today.
And there are cases in ireland were ppl committed suicide, and there have been numerous documentaries on rte in the past about it.
My brother even contemplated committing suicide while on it.
My brother still suffers from depression, panic attacks and nose bleeds to this day. This are still known to happen regardless of dosage

GoneShootin

And there are cases in ireland were ppl committed suicide, and there have been numerous documentaries on rte in the past about it.


claims and that is all. there is no medical proof linking roacutance and suicide. in fact, i pulled this from www.sundaytimes.co.za :

Jennifer Wilson of Roche SA said that, despite the adverse publicity generated by the lawsuit against Roche Products, no similar reports of this nature had been made to the local company.

She said: "No mechanism of action has been identified which would link Roacutane with psychiatric events and no causality has been established between the medication and depression or suicide."

Wilson said teenagers and young adults were at a greater risk of depression and suicide than other segments of the population, and the burden of severe, disfiguring acne could increase that risk.

Almost 300 people in the UK, including relatives of patients who have committed suicide, plan to sue Roche for negligence over the use of the drug.

Isotretinoin (Roacutane), which was introduced in South Africa in 1984, is used to treat severe acne.

It is a schedule five medication, available only on prescription.

According to Wilson, most of the drug's side effects are dose-related and, apart from the potential for teratogenicity (meaning the drug can cause developmental abnormalities in a foetus), they are uncomfortable or unpleasant rather than dangerous. Among the side effects are dry lips and headaches.

Wilson said patients were required to sign a consent form before using the drug. She added that a patient's first visit when starting treatment should include counselling on management of the common side effects.


Recently Roche SA changed the wording of the local package insert in response to changes made to the product's labelling by the US Food and Drug Administration. The amendments urged doctors who prescribe the treatment to be attentive to any psychiatric changes or changes in a patient's behaviour.

If any changes are detected the patient should be referred for psychiatric evaluation.

In a letter carried by the South African Medical Journal last month, the chairman of the Treatment Protocol Board for the South African Medical Association, Dr David Presbury, is quoted as saying that acne frequently leads to serious psychological problems such as depression, social withdrawal and antisocial behaviour.

According to Presbury, "acne may cause severe physical scarring to be carried by the patient for life".

"In addition, it has been shown in the UK that individuals with obvious acne have less opportunity in the job market. Acne therefore affects many aspects of an individual's quality of life," he said.

LegacyUser

there is a case of one person commiting suicide and they blamed it on the drug, but what people forget is that acne is a depressant anyway

Caesar_Bojangle

you decide, i was just stating the possible side effects.

Gone shootin, i didnt pull it off any site, i just know about it from personal experiences.

Giddy up Horsey

GoneShootin

Caesar_Bojangle i agree with you that you gave possible side effects. BUT, you were scaremongering in my opinion.

as you say, you decide

Slider

I'm nearly 21 now, but as a young teen i had acne,
and to be honest i sympathise with anyone who has em now,
they're a right pain in the butt, spots.

I even got my doc to give me a subscription to antibiotic, they cleared em, but the spots returned again.

The only way i can honestly suggest ya get ride of em is to wash your face with warm hot soapy water daily. Its the best thing,
Then apply aleo vera cream to it. works wonders!!
My spots are all gone now.

Try it!!!

Saruman

Good comment slider.. definatly do that.. though the discussion is about acne and not spots.. there is in fact a very big difference and those that suffer/suffered from acne will know what i mean. You cant use something like biactol and expect clear skin.. might work on spots but not acne as its a hormone imbalance and nothing to do with a dirty face etc.. Though in fairness.. keeping your face washed will in fact reduce the problem slightly in mild acne.

Caesar_Bojangle

Good point, acne is technically a totally different topic to spots.
People see the clearisel ads, which makes people with spots out to be cheap greasy dirtballs who just wont spend the money on buying a facewash, which according to the ad completely rids your skin of the buggers forever.

Which of course is utter rabbit pellets?

Bottle_of_Smoke

Minocin's worked for me, i finish the course in 2 days, I don't wanna go back I think it causes depression a bit and other bad stuffs.

What should I eat\do to keep spots away?

Also too lazy to read back through the posts, whats the best for getting rid of these purple scars?

WhiteWashMan

cant say i ever noticed spots on people.
unless you do actually have pepperoni on your face, and ive only ever seen about 2 people that bad. so i wouldnt worry about it.
i get the odd spot and it makes not one bit of difference to me.

WhiteWashMan

by the way, this pm just arrived from slider, who apparently cant seem to use the reply button on this thread

Slider
Cool Newbie



Registered: May 2002
Posts: 19
acne
if ya havent ever noticed real bad spots on people ya must be walkin about with your eyes closed. spots are a real comman thing amongst teens, but with regular cleaning kids grow outta em.

now lets go through that post again shall we, just for the slower members of the class.
i dont really notice spots on people. doesnt mean they arent there, but i just dont focus on them. most people have a spot or two. so what.
im glad slider that you know that most people grow out of acne.
christ, next time you pm me, make sure its something fúcking important will you.


______
now now be nice

Slider

i didnt post it on the thread delebrately cos the message was in direct reply to ur statement. (which I didnt feel needed to be seen by others, but then i guess that u felt differently)

As, for your comments on spots, ya have made it a little bit more clearer now, thanks. Most peoples spots do go unnoticed.

AMEN!!!

SantaHoe

Originally posted by neuro-praxis
It is a myth that chocolate etc. gives you spots - the truth is that an imbalanced diet gives you spots.

I dunno about that one really... back in "those days" I found when I stopped eating sweets completely - I got far less spots... scientifically it may be a myth, but if you like to binge out on chocolate, it might be worth stopping just to see if it helps.
Chocolate wrecks your teeth and makes you fat anyway, so who needs it?

Also I've noticed I used to get spots in places where I'd usualy be touching my face.... say if I were leaning my head on my hand while I was writing in school or whatever, so avoid prolonged hand=>face contact.

I reckon there's only so much about acne that you can control through diet and hygene, some people are just more prone to acne than others.
All you can do is fight them hard, and make sure not to pick them, so at least you'll have clear skin in your 20's

WhiteWashMan

smoking gives you spots too.

SantaHoe

Originally posted by WhiteWashMan
smoking gives you spots too.

Smoking defo wrecks your skin... patch and dry... but spots? are you serious?! :eek:

Mercury_Tilt

This post has been deleted.

azezil

Originally posted by Mercury_Tilt
I would love to offer advice but as it happens this is not a medical forum...

within context, lumps on one's private parts could be any number of things, if the person is conserned he / she is better off consulting a doctor not an electronic bulletin board. False or misleading advise could cause a great deal of harm.

Mercury_Tilt

This post has been deleted.

The_Conductor

http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/health/newsid_1991000/1991058.stm

Mercury_Tilt

This post has been deleted.

Caesar_Bojangle

I think i missed something here, i think the guy/girl in distress had acne on their face, not their genitals.
And if you check the link someone posted at http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/he...000/1991058.stm.
You can read about some of the side effects about roacutane, which i talked about a few posts back.

Mercury_Tilt

This post has been deleted.